The Forensic Laboratories accept evidence submitted by all fire departments and law enforcement agencies within Sedgwick County, KS as well as the Sedgwick County District Coroner. Forensic Science support is also available to fire departments, law enforcement and/or coroners from surrounding counties.

The laboratory does not provide analysis for private citizens or for civil litigations.

Examinations are requested through the use of a signed Evidence Chain of Custody Document.

Evidence may be submitted at the Evidence Intake window M-F between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (closed 11:30 to 12:30).

The contributor(s) agrees to allow the Forensic Laboratories to determine, based upon existing policies, when submitted items will not be examined as requested.

The Forensic Laboratories reserve the right to approve deviations regarding the test methods utilized when appropriate and to subcontract for analysis when necessary.

Unless otherwise indicated on a laboratory report, items of evidence will be returned to the submitting agency following examination or at any time deemed appropriate by the RFSC. An exception is made for items of evidence submitted for Post-mortem Toxicology examination, which will be retained and disposed according to RFSC policy.

The Forensic Laboratory Division of the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center will select the most appropriate test method(s) for the examination/evaluation of the submitted evidence from the following services.

Items not Routinely Accepted for Analysis

Needles, syringes, or needles with syringes for drug analysis;

Explosives (this does not include ammunition);

DNA samples collected for the purpose of a convicted felon in possession of a firearm or any other weapon;

DNA samples collected from ammunition or drug containers;

DNA samples pertaining to kinship analyses;

Paternity testing for non-forensic purposes; and

“Single Touch” exhibits from property crimes. [Includes items such as door knobs/handles, surfaces, pens/pencils or any other single use items that did not come into contact with body fluids].

Note: Exceptions may be made by the Director and/or his designee on a case by case basis.

CRIMINALISTICS

Drug identification

Tests Utilized

Spot (color) tests

Weight determinations

Macro and Microscopic evaluations

Chromatographic (GC, TLC)

Mass spectrometric (GC/MS)

Spectrophotometric (FTIR)

Fire Debris

Tests Utilized

Chromatographic (GC)

Mass spectrometric (GC/MS)

Beverage alcohol (open container) analysis

Test Utilized

Chromatographic (GC)

Firearms / Tool Marks

Tests Utilized

Weight determinations

Length determinations

Macro and Microscopic evaluations

Function testing

Serial Number Restoration

FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Comprehensive postmortem studies

Drug testing in sexual assault cases

Specialized analyses; e.g. Testing on children removed from Drug Environments